Test Drive: 2017 Mitsubishi Outlander GT S-AWC

Monday

Jul 10, 2017 at 9:55 AMJul 10, 2017 at 10:25 AM

Greg Zyla More Content Now

Entry Price: $23,495Price as Tested: $34,090

This week, we’re driving the 2017 Mitsubishi Outlander, redesigned in 2016 and still a larger version of Outlander Sport. Outlander is available in four distinct trims ES ($23,495), SE ($24,495), SEL ($25,495) and the V6 powered GT S-AWC (“Super All Wheel Control,” $31,695). Our Outlander arrived in top line GT S-AWC trim but if you need all-wheel-drive and want a different model, the ES, SE and SEL all feature optional AWC with a four cylinder for an additional $2,000.

Listed as a small SUV by the EPA, Outlander is Mitsubishi’s seven-passenger crossover that delivers decent to very good fuel mileage depending on engine choice. Although the third row seating is tight, the otherwise roomy interior surroundings and leather trim make for a comfortable experience.

Notable is that the larger Outlander rides on the same 105.1-inch wheelbase as the smaller Outlander Sport, the difference being Outlander’s longer body length and seating arrangement for seven instead of Outlander Sport’s five. Overall, I’d classify the seven-passenger Outlander as a mid-size more so than a small SUV/Crossover.

Although Mitsubishi has been slow to update its line of cars and SUV vehicles, the 2017 Outlander is a big improvement over earlier models. Thanks to the aforementioned 2016 re-design, the front end now features a new fascia, redesigned front fenders, halogen headlamps, LED position lights, 18-inch Toyo tires on nice alloy wheels and a new fascia with LED taillights. The overall theme is called “Dynamic Shield” by corporate, and is perhaps the best looking Outlander to date.

All models offer a 10-year/100,000 mile drivetrain warranty and a 5-year/60,000 overall warranty. These numbers are Mitsubishi positives as fewer and fewer 10-year/100,000 mile powertrain warranties remain these days.

For 2017, the all-wheel-drive GT S-AWC receives power from a 224-horsepower 3.0-liter V6 mated to a six-speed automatic with paddle shifters. The four cylinder models utilize a CVT automatic and a 166-horsepower engine to transfer power and deliver excellent EPA numbers of 25 city and 30 highway for both front and AWC models.

I found that the V6 performs well overall and delivers 20 city and 27 highway EPA numbers, which is decent for a small, seven-passenger SUV/Crossover. Acceleration for the V6 is modest at best as the GT is the heaviest of the Outlander models by near 300 pounds.

Our GT tester came with a multitude of standard features that cost extra in the lower class models. Outlander 4x4 mechanicals feature Mitsubishi’s electronically controlled S-AWC active front differential with a “flip of the switch” 2WD to 4WD automatic mode. There’s also a 4WD Lock setting allowing for more rear tire traction. Underneath sits a fully independent suspension that has been tweaked a bit for 2017 and is much better for highway comfort, corner handling and some very light duty off-road explorations.

Noteworthy is the upgraded interior that not only features better amenities and comfort, it also delivers a quietness that was missing from pre-2016 Outlander test drives. Today, all 2016 and 2017 Outlanders are way better when it comes to a quiet ride thanks to improved sound deadening insulation that made the several longer drives throughout Pennsylvania and New York we embarked on a pleasure. And, when we cranked up the GT’s standard feature Rockford Fosgate 710-watt Dolby nine speaker stereo with a 10-inch subwoofer, it was a fun ride. Add standard fare like panoramic sunroof, power driver seat, heated front seats and dual zone air conditioning and things get even better.

These numerous standard features across the line don’t stop there. Included are 18-inch Toyo tires on lightweight two-tone alloy wheels, safety backup camera, 12-volt outlets, cruise, touch start, all the powers, sporty instrumentation, and Sirius/XM/CD/HD radio/MP3/USB with Fuse hands-free Link system for Bluetooth. Your Mitsubishi dealer is awaiting your visit to explain the over 90 standard features the GT S-AWC comes with. (Yes, 90!)

Our tester featured just one option, a $1,500 GT Touring Package that adds high end safety items like forward collision mitigation, adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, lane departure warning (easy on-off), heated steering wheel, and a multi-view rear safety setup. For just $1,500, it’s a must if you buy an Outlander GT.

Mitsubishi Outlander also carries an overall Five Star government safety rating as all modern day safety equipment including all the airbags, electronic brakeforce, ABS disc brakes, stability control, traction control, and much more are standard fare. Your Mitsubishi dealer will explain in detail when you visit. Outlander also delivers good reliability ratings while current dealer incentives routinely slash $3,000 or more off the retail price on leftover 2016 models and $2,000 or more off the 2017 Outlanders.

Important numbers include a wheelbase of 105.1 inches, from 10.3 to 63.3 cu. ft. of cargo space, 3,593 lb. curb weight, 3,500 lb. tow capacity, 8.5-inches of ground clearance, and a 15.8 gallon fuel tank.Thanks to the upgraded design and features of the 2016 and 2017 Outlanders, Mitsubishi deserves a vote of consumer confidence. I recommend you drive the four-cylinder models first and check for even more discount pricing. If you need to haul people or tow a small boat, the GT S-AWC is your best buy.